Matthew Dunn has been ‘brought unstuck’ by wet weather in previous Country Championships campaigns, but that won’t happen in 2026.
Racing wet-track specialist, Considered, in Sunday’s Evergreen Turf Northern Rivers $150,000 qualifier at Coff Harbour, the 4YO So You Think mare revelled on a heavy eight surface.
Ridden by Andrew Mallyon, the Murwillumbah galloper raced midfield before exploding to the front to defeat runner-up and fellow Country Championships qualifier, Baby Ryan (Ben Looker, $26), as the pair put five lengths on the remainder of the field.
“What she lacks in stature, she certainly makes up for in heart and willingness to win,” Dunn said after the victory.
“She has proven again she is very effective on soft ground, and the final is generally run on a wet track; I know, as it has brought me unstuck a few times over the years.
“She did a great job, and Andrew gave her a wonderful ride, and congratulations to the boys at Group One Thoroughbreds.
“They have supported me a lot, and they are getting some great results, and I very much appreciate that.”
Boasting a record of eight starts for five wins and three minor placings, Considered started out her career with Cody Morgan, winning at Dubbo and Tamworth in mid 2025 before joining Dunn’s stable.
Unbeaten in three starts for Dunn, including a 1400m Class Three Highway Handicap victory at Rosehill Gardens on January 17 in the lead-up to Sunday’s impressive victory, Considered has earned connections just shy of $200,000.
Unbeaten at the distance (1400m) and capable on a variety of surfaces, Dunn now has to work out his best path forward to the $1 million final at Royal Randwick on April 4.
“Distance-wise and track surface-wise is all looking pretty good for her to go through to the final in six weeks’ time,” Dunn said.
“What we do with her between now and then, I’m not sure, but I’ll figure that out. We’ll get through today first and probably go one more, perhaps.”
For Mallyon, he was thrilled to see Considered get the job done and advance to the rich country-only final.
“Country Championships here we come,” he said after the win.
“I actually thought I might be a pair closer, but the speed was a bit quicker, and I love the way she relaxed, and she was able to come into the race at her own time.
“I was on the back of the right horse, but you still need some room when you need it, and they parted, and I love the way she shot through there, and she put it to bed.”
Country Championships action heats up again this weekend, with Mudgee hosting the Central Districts qualifier on Saturday and Port Macquarie hosting the Mid North Coast qualifier on Sunday.
